Canada's largest and best-known chocolatier, Laura Secord, is looking to further expand its national store base. The company has recently retained a broker from one of Canada's top agencies. Secord currently lacks stores in Alberta and British Columbia, presenting tremendous opportunity for the retailer as well as for mall landlords.

According to its website, Laura Secord operates 104 Canadian store locations. Of those, 51 are in Ontario, 40 in Quebec, 9 in the Maritimes, and 2 each in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Given that the retailer has no stores in Alberta or British Columbia, local mall landlords may wish to contact Valentino Teoli of Aurora Realty Consultants (514-737-6727), who has been retained to handle Secords' location search. Jeri Brodie (416-972-9414), also of Auora Realty Consultants, is handling the Laura Secord's Ontario expansion plans. According to weekly publication Developers & Chains, Laura Secord will focus on seeking retail space in the 700 to 900 square foot range in enclosed shopping malls.

Laura Secord has offices in Mississauga, Ontario and in suburban Quebec City. It is now owned by Jean and Jacques Leclerc, two brothers who also own Nutriart, a company devoted to chocolate production. Nutriart is a former division of Biscuits Leclerc.

Laura Secord's first chocolate store opened in 1913 on Toronto's Yonge Street. Founded by Frank P. O'Connor, the shop sold hand-made chocolates named after Ms. Secord, a Canadian heroine from the War of 1812 who was a symbol of courage, devotion and loyalty. The retailer grew substantially and by 1950, had 96 stores in Ontario and Quebec.